Reward Offered for Information in Two Bald Eagle Deaths in Kansas

Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust

The Humane Society of the United States and The Humane Society Wildlife Land
Trust are offering a reward of up to $2,500 per case for information leading to
the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible
for illegally killing two bald eagles in Kansas. The HSUS offer adds to an
existing $1,000 reward per case from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The Case:

According to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, on Jan. 9, an eagle was
found in a borrow ditch on 370th Road, approximately one-fourth of a mile north
of the Ness County line, in southeastern Trego County. X-rays revealed the
presence of metal in the bird’s body. The second eagle was found on Jan. 10
near 1700 Road in northwest Montgomery County, approximately half of a mile
south of the Wilson County line on Jan. 10. X-rays of the second eagle also
showed the presence of metal.

“Bald eagles are our national symbol and shooting one is a serious and
despicable crime,” said Midge Grinstead, Kansas state director for The HSUS.
“The Humane Society of the United States thanks the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism for working
tirelessly to bring wildlife violators to justice. We implore anyone with
information on these crimes to come forward.”

Killing an eagle is a violation of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act
as well as the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Poaching:

Wildlife officials estimate that for every wild animal
killed legally — tens of millions of animals per year — another is killed
illegally.

Every year, thousands of poachers are arrested
nationwide; however, it is estimated that 1 percent to 5 percent of
poached animals are discovered by law enforcement.

Poachers injure or kill wildlife anytime, anywhere and
sometimes do so in particularly cruel ways. Wildlife officials report that
poachers often commit other crimes as well.

The HSUS and HSWLT work with state and federal wildlife
agencies to offer rewards of $2,500 for information leading to arrest and
conviction of suspected poachers.

The Investigators:

Anyone with information about the eagle deaths should contact the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement in Topeka, Kansas, at (785)
232-5149. Information may also be reported to the Kansas Department of
Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s Operation Game Thief hotline at
1-877-426-3843. Callers may remain anonymous.